International student nurses in the simulation suites

PgCert Gastrointestinal Disorders

Course type
Postgraduate
Course qualification
PgCert
Subject area
Nursing and Midwifery
Delivery mode
Part-time
Distance Learning
Course length
One year

This e-learning programme provides transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary diseases.

Course summary

What is the fee?

For all course options, see fees and funding

Where will I study?

School of Health and Society

How long will I study?

One year

Overview

International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.  

his e-learning programme provides transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.

You will develop the specialist knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in the care of patients with gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders and deal with clinical situations systematically. You will gain transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders and engage in lifelong learning through the enhancement of key skills and reflective practice.

You will choose two out of three Level 7 modules, which are:

  • The Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
  • The Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • The Management of Liver Disorders

You will:

  • Develop the specialist knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in the care of patients with gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.
  • Gain transferable training in the management of gastrointestinal and/or hepatobiliary disorders.
  • Enhance patient care in gastroenterology and/or hepatobiliary disorders.

This is for you if...

1.

You are a qualified healthcare professional wishing to enhance your clinical skills.

2.

You want to learn skills to enable you to deal with clinical situations systematically.

3.

You want to engage in life-long learning through the enhancement of key skills and reflective practice.

How you'll learn

What will I be doing?

Teaching

This is an online e-learning programme supported by face-to-face online tutorial sessions, Microsoft Teams meetings, Blackboard discussions, email, and academic supervision and support by named academic supervisors. The assessment process reflects the learning outcomes of the curriculum and will emphasise not only recall of knowledge but also understanding, application, problem-solving, evaluation, and critique. The programme is professionally oriented, and as such, there is a strong focus on current authentic assessment by specialist practitioners and academic staff.

Assessment

Two methods of assessment will be utilised to enable assessment against the Level 7 grade descriptors, and you will be provided with formative feedback opportunities within each module in preparation for assessment:

  • Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders: Oral (video) presentation to demonstrate professional learning and critical evaluation regarding caring for a patient with inflammatory bowel disease, with supporting evidence to meet module outcomes.
  • Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders: A retrospective written 5000-word account of a patient journey which demonstrates a critical evaluation of the knowledge gained during the module in caring for a patient with a gastrointestinal disease, utilising relevant up-to-date evidence.
  • Management of Liver Disorders: A disease-based written 5000-word study relevant to your practice, critically analysing evidence-based literature in relation to interventions and management.

Future careers

The knowledge and skills gained during the programme can lead to further career progression, such as becoming clinical specialists or advanced practitioners, or lead to further academic study.

Further study

  • MSc Nursing Practice: This pathway is open to nurses practicing in the UK only. It allows you to build on your current skills, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care at an advanced level within the context of your own workplace. There is an emphasis on combining practical skills with sound theoretical principles.
  • MSc Nursing Practice (Gastroenterology): This pathway aims to equip qualified nurses with the skills and knowledge to create and implement innovative approaches in their chosen area of practice.

Modules

This e-learning programme provides a different avenue to meet professional development needs, which will ultimately enhance patient care in gastroenterology. All the materials are delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard, with flexible online support, organised through a variety of carefully prepared resources.

You will need to be computer literate with access to an up-to-date computer with camera facilities.

Two 30-credit modules need to be completed to gain the PgCert and can differ depending on your start date. Each module is broken down into smaller, chunk-sized units.

Trimester 1

  • September: Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
  • February: Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Trimester 2

  • February: Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • June: Management of Liver Disorders

Trimester 3

  • June: Management of Liver Disorders
  • September: Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders
Year one
Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disorders

Professional learning and critical evaluation in regard to caring for a patient with inflammatory bowel disease utilising up to date relevant supporting evidence.

Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Critical evaluation of the knowledge gained in caring for a patient with gastrointestinal disease, utilising relevant up-to-date evidence.

Management of Liver Disorders

A critical analysis of the interventions and management of a patient with liver disorders.

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.

Entry requirements

If applying for the PgCert, please specify on your application which two modules you want to complete. 

If you want to apply for a single module rather than the full PgCert, you will need to follow the 'Alternative Application Process' for post-qualifying health and social care courses. 

Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree

You must have completed a relevant healthcare undergraduate programme and be an appropriately qualified healthcare professional actively connected to clinical practice. For example;

  • A qualified nurse
  • A dietitian
  • A pharmacist
  • A physiotherapist
English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements
º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

To be considered for the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Fees and funding

Distance-learning fees as below.

2026/27

Type of study Fees
Distance learning UK: £3120 | International: £3900

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

How to apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

Start dates: September, January, June 
Duration: One year

Enrolment dates

June 2026

September 2026

January 2027

June 2027

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions